Kai Havertz has picked up a muscular injury and is set to miss Arsenal's next four games at least, ruling him out of the north London derby at Tottenham later this month.
The German forward is set to miss Thursday night's Premier League game at Brentford, Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Wigan and next week's top-flight clashes at both Wolves and Spurs.
The setback adds to Arsenal's injury concerns in attacking midfield - where Havertz has started in three of the club's last four games - with Mikel Merino also out for most of the rest of the season after foot surgery.
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Arsenal will, however, give captain Martin Odegaard a late fitness test ahead of Thursday's trip to the Gtech, along with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard. Eberechi Eze, meanwhile, is another attacking midfield option for manager Mikel Arteta.
Sunday 22nd February 4:00pm Kick off 4:30pm
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However, there is also no recall clause or option in Ethan Nwaneri's loan move to Marseille amid the Merino and Havertz injuries.
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The Arsenal winger was sent on a six-month loan to Marseille in the January transfer window, with the possibility of working under Roberto De Zerbi one of the main reasons why the 18-year-old joined the Ligue 1 club.
However, despite De Zerbi leaving Marseille this week and Arsenal losing options in midfield, Nwaneri will stay in the south of France until the end of the season.
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Havertz goal
Kai Havertz scored in the final seconds of the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against his former club Chelsea, to ensure Arsenal progress to the final at Wembley
Havertz's injury struggles
Havertz's muscular issue is just the latest in a succession of injuries suffered by the 26-year-old.
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The Germany international had missed much of this campaign after damaging his knee on the opening day of the season and being sidelined for five months.
Meanwhile, Havertz was also absent for most of the second half of last season as Arsenal tried to chase down Liverpool in the Premier League after the forward injured his hamstring while on a warm-weather training camp in Dubai in February 2025.
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That issue required surgery, with the player going on to miss the remainder of the campaign.
Wednesday 18th February 7:30pm Kick off 8:00pm
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Arsenal's next six fixtures
Feb 12: Brentford (a) - Premier League, kick-off 8pm
Feb 15: Wigan (h) - FA Cup, kick-off 4.30pm
Feb 18: Wolves (a) - Premier League, kick-off 8pm - live on Sky Sports
Feb 22: Tottenham (a) - Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm - live on Sky Sports
March 1: Chelsea (h) - Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm - live on Sky Sports
March 4: Brighton (a) - Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm